Beef Soup (Quick)
A hearty beef soup packed with vegetables, barley, and savory flavors, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 2/3 cup barley ⓘ
- 4 diced carrots ⓘ
- 3 celery ribs, sliced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 (10 1/2 oz.) cans beef consomme ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can tomato soup (optional) ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced parsley ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a Dutch oven until the meat is no longer pink; drain off drippings.
- Add barley, diced carrots, sliced celery, and chopped tomatoes with their liquid.
- Stir in beef consomme, water, tomato soup (if using), bay leaf, minced parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Beef Soup, consider browning the beef with some smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce. If you don't have barley, you can substitute with rice or quinoa. For a heartier dish, add diced potatoes or green beans. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the taste as well. This recipe is a quick version, but slow cooking it will deepen the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Beef Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cabbage Loaf or Beef Patties Parmesan for a comforting dinner. Garnish with additional minced parsley or grated cheese for added flavor. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also use the microwave, heating in short intervals until hot, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Soup (Quick) contains roughly 767 calories, with 40g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (207% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (202% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1254mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If using a leaner meat, consider adding a bit of oil during browning to avoid dryness. Ground lamb or pork could also work, giving the soup a unique flavor profile.
Is it possible to add more vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and flavor. Just ensure they are added according to their cooking times to maintain texture and taste.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).